Deion Sanders To Debut As 'New American Sportsman' Host September 8 On ESPN

by: ESPN Outdoors,

(Aug. 02, 2003 - )
Mark your calendar: Deion Sanders is out to prove to the stick-and-ball sports world that the best challenges in sports are in the outdoors. Sanders will begin his first season as host of The New American Sportsman on Sept. 8. Sportsman will again anchor ESPN's prime-time outdoors block, and is joined by two new ESPN Original Entertainment shows, Totally Hooked and The Wild Rules, as well as weekend morning favorite Offshore Adventures.

Sanders was introduced to many of the nation's top Outdoor writers and broadcasters in New Orleans this weekend to cover the 33rd CITGO Bassmaster Classic presented by Busch Beer.

"I love to fish. I've been fishing since I was a kid," Sanders said. "I got up this morning and watched the anglers take off. I really enjoyed what I saw."

"We are ready for an incredible season of programs," said Michael Rooney, Sr. Vice President and General Manager, ESPN Outdoors. "Our goal this year is to tell unique and compelling stories about the outdoors. We want to offer our viewers special opportunities to go places they may not have access to. The key is that we are bringing the outstanding capabilities of ESPN's Original Entertainment to this large and attractive genre."

The New American Sportsman, hosted by Sanders, returns with high-profile celebrity guests including Warren Sapp, Robert Duvall, Jeff Kent and Jim Belushi. In its second season, Sportsman will focus on North American adventures that capture the thrill of hunting, fishing and conservation while telling the story behind guests' interest in the outdoors. (10-11 p.m. ET)

Totally Hooked is the first reality series on the water, following four women and two men living aboard the 74-foot Totally Hooked yacht. The cast samples the best life has to offer in 13 ports of call, with adventures ranging from exploring Key West's nightlife to competing in Georgetown, S.C.'s Kingfish Classic. (11-11:30 p.m. ET)

The Wild Rules, an adventure race across British Columbia, pits 12 men and women against each other and Mother Nature in pursuit of a $100,000 payoff. Equipped with only the most basic gear, 10 outdoorsmen and -women and two city slickers team up in challenges - including raft building and fishing. (9-9:30 p.m. and 9:30-10 p.m. ET)

Offshore Adventures tells the tale of entrepreneur Chris Fischer, who hung up his coat and tie at age 29 for a rod and reel and the chance to spend time in the outdoors with his wife, Melissa aboard their luxury yacht, the Go Fisch. (11:30 p.m.-12 a.m. ET)

The prime-time block has moved to ESPN from ESPN2, and will air Monday nights from Sept. 8 through Dec. 1 from 9 p.m.-12 a.m., between Monday Night Countdown and SportsCenter.

"I find it kind of funny," Sanders said. "For the second time in my career, I'll be following Monday Night Countdown, but this time you don't have to change the channel."